Muscle performance and ankle joint mobility in long-term patients with diabetes

Background  

Long-term patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy show altered foot biomechanics and abnormal foot loading. This study aimed at assessing muscle performance and ankle mobility in such patients under controlled conditions.     

Biomechanics of the foot and ankle during gait

Running is a very popular activity, whether for competition or fitness. Breakdown injuries related to training errors, shoe wear, or change in intensity are frequently seen by the sports medicine physician. In order to understand and treat the pathologic situation, a fundamental understanding of the biomechanics of walking and running is essential. The treating practitioner must appreciate the distinct differences between the walking and running gait. These differences transcend a simple increase in speed of gait and include distinct changes in joint range of motion and electromyographic activity. Armed with this knowledge, the practitioner treating a breakdown injury can work to a solution based on scientific understanding rather than anecdotal information.     

Evaluation of spatio-temporal gait parameters and gait symmetry in diabetic polyneuropathic patients with burn injury: A pilot study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of burn injury on spatio-temporal gait parameters and gait symmetry in individuals with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN)-related lower extremity burn injury.MethodsDemographic information and the physical examinations of the lower extremities of 14 patients with unilateral lower extremity burn injury due to DPN (DPN_B) and 14 uninjured patients with DPN (DPN₀) were recorded. The GAITRite computerized gait analysis system was used to evaluate the spatio-temporal parameters of gait. Symmetry Index (SI) was calculated to determine gait symmetry. The Mann Whitney U test was used to determine the demographical and clinical differences between the groups, the Wilcoxon’s test was used to compare both sides of all the participants for all gait parameters and linear regression analysis was used to find the variables that affect gait parameters.ResultsThe groups were similar in terms of their demographic information except for age. Compared with the DPN₀ group, DPN_B group had increased extent of area with sensory loss and severity of DPN, decreased ankle joint range of motions and intrinsic foot muscles strength and they displayed lower gait speed, step length, stride length and swing percentage but their double support and stance percentage were increased.ConclusionThis study results have shown that, spatio-temporal gait parameters of DPN_B patients are different. These differences in spatiotemporal parameters are found on both sides, probably owing to the symmetric and bilateral sensory loss is superior to unilateral burn injury due to symmetrical and bilateral sensory loss. Gait analysis should be considered in order to reveal the changes in gait parameters and to improve appropriate healing process of patients with DPN-related lower extremity burn injury.     

Exploration of small fibers for testing diabetic neuropathies

INTRODUCTION: Electrophysiological exploration of neuropathies is a standard method of investigating the dysfunction of myelinated larger fibers (Aalpha, Abeta). However, this method cannot test dysfunctions in other fibers. To evaluate the smaller (Adelta) and unmyelinated fiber (C-fibers) lesions a quantitative method has been perfected: the study of the sensory thresholds (quantitative sensory testing: QST). It allows the investigation of the sensory symptoms and is a reproducible, non-invasive and painless method. It is used above all in patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy ('Diabetes Care 9 (1987) 432'). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the QST testing in comparison with nerve conduction velocities in 40 Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM or Type II) patients in their 60s (+/-10 years). Depending on the duration of their diabetes (dd), we distinguished three groups: dd < 5 years (GI) dd from 5 to 15 years (GII) and dd > 15 years (GIII). All the patients underwent a clinical neurological examination, which enabled us to establish a gravity score comparable to the NDS (Neuropathy Disability Score: 'Muscle Nerve 10 (1988) 21'). RESULTS: Nerve conduction velocities and QST were studied for each group of patients. Electrophysiological alterations were connected to the gravity clinical score and in some asymptomatic patients a higher QST heat threshold could be observed. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that QST can detect the early dysfunction of the unmyelinated fibers in this kind of neuropathy. Subclinical detection can reduce severe neurological complications and make possible an early and effective treatment.     

Coronal plane ankle alignment, gait, and end-stage ankle osteoarthritis

Objective

Unilateral ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition which may lead to limb deformity, severe pain, and functional disability due to tibiotalar malalignment and gait dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine if coronal plane alignment (varus, valgus, or neutral) of the ankle resulted in different spatial-temporal gait mechanics, clinically-assessed function, and self-reported function in patients with end-stage ankle OA.

Methods

Following informed consent, 96 patients with end-stage unilateral ankle OA were radiographically categorized as having varus, valgus, or neutral tibiotalar alignment. Each subject completed the foot and ankle disability index (FADI) questionnaire to assess self-reported function. The spatial-temporal parameters of interest (stance time, step length, stride length, stride width, single-support time, double support time, and walking speed) were assessed while the subject walked at a self-selected speed.

Results

The varus group performed the timed up and go test significantly faster than the other groups (P = 0.05). All other variables were similar between the three alignment groups.

Conclusion

There was little difference in gait mechanics and function between patients with end-stage OA based on coronal plane ankle alignment suggesting that factors other than coronal plane alignment contribute to diminished function.     

Sagittal mobility of the normal ankle.

In children and adults, there is a physiological anterior sagittal displacement of the talus which decreases when the examination is repeated in equinus. The displacement occurs when the examination is performed with or without apparatus, with manual stress or with weights. The diminution of the normal sagittal mobility of the talus when the examination is performed with the ankle in the position of equinus, it attributable to the intact anterior talofibular ligament which becomes taut when the ankle is in a position of flexion. A pathological drawer sign will be noted following an isolated tear of the anterior talofibular; under those circumstances sagittal instability is increased and is not appreciably affected by repeating the examination in a position of ankle equinus.     

The effect of community-prescribed ankle–foot orthoses on gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) prescribed in the community for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Fifty-six children (32 boys and 24 girls, mean age 8.9 years, range 4–17) who were diagnosed as having CP were enrolled. They were grouped according to the type of CP, diplegic (n = 38) and hemiplegic (n = 18). Three-dimensional gait analyses while patient were barefoot and with AFOs were obtained and analyzed. Results The spatio-temporal findings were the most significantly changed as a result of AFO use. In the hemiplegic group, stride length was 11.7% (p = 0.001) longer with AFOs in both affected (10.2%) and non-affected (12.4%) legs, and cadence was reduced by 9.7%; walking speed was not affected. In the diplegic group, stride length with AFOs was 17.4% longer compared to barefoot (p < 0.001) and walking velocity improved by 17.8% (p < 0.001); cadence was unchanged. AFOs also increased ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact in both groups. In the hemiplegic group, AFOs produced an average 9.4° increase of dorsiflexion at initial contact (IC) on the affected side (p < 0.001) and 5.87° on the unaffected side (p = 0.007), and an increase of 9.9° (p < 0.001) dorsiflexion at swing, on the affected side. In the diplegic group, dorsiflexion at IC was increased by 13.4° on the right side and 7.8° on the left side (p = 0.05; p > 0.001, respectively) and an increase of 6° (p = 0.005) at swing. In the hemiplegic group of patients, knee flexion at initial contact on the affected side was reduced by 8.5° (p = 0.032) while in the diplegic group we found no influence. The number of patients that reached symmetry at initial double support tripled (from 5.6 to 16.7%) with the use of AFOs. Conclusions Our results showed that the use of AFOs improves spatio-temporal gait parameters and gait stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy. It has a lesser effect on proximal joint kinematics. Children with spastic hemiplegia display greater improvement than those with spastic diplegia.     

Closed ankle fractures in the diabetic patient

Systemic and local manifestations of diabetes mellitus may complicate the treatment of ankle fractures in the diabetic population. We studied 98 patients (73 non-diabetics and 25 diabetics) who were treated for closed ankle fractures by either surgical or non-surgical methods. We found that overall, the risk of infection in the diabetic population (32%) was 4 times higher than in the non-diabetic population (8%). The infection rate in the diabetic group treated surgically more than doubled that in the non-diabetic group. Four out of six diabetic patients treated with cast became infected compared to no infections in the five non-diabetics treated with a cast. Even though the diabetic foot and ankle are well studied, the medical literature is not conclusive regarding the management of ankle fractures in the diabetic patient. Diabetic patients treated conservatively had a tendency to become infected over those treated surgically. Peripherovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy and swelling and/or ecchymosis increased the risk of infection in the diabetic population. Diabetic patients with poor compliance had a tendency to become infected more than those who were compliant. We concluded that the diabetic patient who is poorly compliant with evidence of neuropathic disease, peripherovascular disease and severe swelling and ecchymosis presents the most difficult group to manage. Although these patients are poor surgical candidates, they are also the most difficult to manage and also most prone to infection and complications if treated conservatively. When faced with this difficult scenario a multidisciplinary team approach would probably yield the best possible results by early identification and intervention in these patients.     

Significance of talar distortion for ankle mobility in idiopathic clubfoot

The abnormal bony feature found most consistently in clubfeet is talar distortion. The significance of the talar distortion for mobility of the tibiotalar joint was investigated. Twenty-seven congenital clubfeet in 19 patients were examined at a minimal followup of 20 years. In all patients Turco's posteromedial release was done because of idiopathic clubfoot. Radiographic assessment of the feet included measurement of the talocalcaneal angle and index, and the tibiocalcaneal angle. The degree of talar flattening was estimated by the ratio of the curvature of the talar dome to the length of the talar bone (radius to length ratio). Three-dimensional gait analysis was done to assess the dynamic range of ankle motion. The static range of motion was measured with a goniometer. The degree of talar flattening correlated significantly with the dynamic range of ankle motion but not with the static mobility. For assessment of idiopathic clubfoot, evaluation of talar flattening should be done because of its significance for dynamic ankle mobility.     

Outcome of unilateral ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement in terms of bilateral gait mechanics

Previous studies assessed the outcome of ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle replacement (TAR) surgeries; however, the extent of postoperative recovery towards bilateral gait mechanics (BGM) is unknown. We evaluated the outcome of the two surgeries at least 2 years post rehabilitation, focusing on BGM. 36 participants, including 12 AA patients, 12 TAR patients, and 12 controls were included. Gait assessment over 50 m distance was performed utilizing pressure insoles and 3D inertial sensors, following which an intraindividual comparison was performed. Most spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in the TAR group were indicative of good gait symmetry, while the AA group presented significant differences. Plantar pressure symmetry among the AA group was also significantly distorted. Abnormality in biomechanical behavior of the AA unoperated, contralateral foot was observed. In summary, our results indicate an altered BGM in AA patients, whereas a relatively fully recovered BGM is observed in TAR patients, despite the quantitative differences in several parameters when compared to a healthy population. Our study supports a biomechanical assessment and rehabilitation of both operated and unoperated sides after major surgeries for ankle osteoarthrosis. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:377–384, 2014.     

Kinematic analysis of the agility total ankle during gait

BACKGROUND: With the increasing use of total ankle prostheses, kinematic analysis of these implants is important to our understanding of their specific biomechanics. Fluoroscopic analysis as used in this study has distinct advantages over previous experimental approaches and allows kinematic determination in vivo of dynamic weightbearing motions. METHODS: Ten patients with unilateral Agility (Depuy, A Johnson & Johnson Company, Warsaw, IN) total ankle replacements were tested using video fluoroscopy in weightbearing dynamic gait conditions. Their prosthetic ankle and normal ankle kinematics were then analyzed by computer with two-dimensional and three-dimensional model-fitting techniques. RESULTS: All of the total ankle prostheses in this study demonstrated less than 3.5 mm of posterior-to-anterior translation from heel strike to toe-off. In comparison, more variability was seen in posterior-to-anterior motion of the normal contralateral ankles, with three ankles translating more than 6 mm. When inversion and eversion and internal and external rotation of the ankle were measured, wide variations were seen among patients. CONCLUSIONS: While the relative incongruence theoretically decreases the shear stresses transmitted to the bone-prosthesis interface, it does allow more inversion-eversion and rotational freedom that can lead to edge loading and higher contact stresses. Despite good medium-term results having been published for this prosthesis, polyethylene wear and osteolysis have been observed. Further studies looking at the effect of the inversion and eversion and rotational freedom on polyethylene wear and prosthesis survival will assist in our understanding of the factors leading to successful outcome of total ankle prostheses.     

The optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle. A gait study of the knee and ankle

Findings from biomechanical analyses of gait were used to estimate the optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle. Nineteen patients who were followed for an average of 10.4 years (range, four to seventeen years) were studied. By including the knee in the analysis as well as studying the effects on gait of different ground conditions, objective data for the weight-bearing extremities in the transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes were generated. Genu recurvatum was shown to be associated with a plantar-flexion position of fusion of the ankle. Laxity of the medial collateral ligament of the knee was noted in twelve patients (63 per cent). Among these patients, in three (16 per cent) the laxity was graded as moderate to severe, possibly due to external rotation of the extremity during gait to avoid rolling over the rigid plantar-flexed ankle. The patterns of gait showed that a valgus position of the arthrodesis is more advantageous and provides more normal gait, particularly on uneven ground. To attain more normal function of the knee and improve performance on rough ground, the optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle appears to be neutral flexion, slight (zero to 5 degrees) valgus angulation, and approximately 5 to 10 degrees of external rotation. Posterior displacement of the talus under the tibia tends to produce a more normal pattern of gait and decreases the stress at the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has shown the ideal position of fusion of the ankle to be neutral flexion, slight (zero to 5 degrees) valgus angulation of the hind part of the foot, and 5 to 10 degrees of external rotation. This position allows the greatest compensatory motion at the foot and places the least strain on the knee.     

Preoperative gait asymmetry in end-stage unilateral ankle osteoarthrosis patients

BackgroundGait asymmetries following unilateral ankle surgeries have been reported in published literature. Preoperative compensatory gait patterns are usually assumed to be the cause; however, this hypothesis is not backed by objective data. This study aims to assess gait symmetry in patients with unilateral ankle osteoarthrosis (AOA).Method20 participants, including 10 controls and 10 AOA patients, were assessed using 3-D inertial sensors and pressure insoles. 46 gait parameters and foot sub-region relative motions were studied.ResultsCompared with the controls, significant differences were reported in 23 parameters on the affected side and 20 on the unaffected side. AOA bilateral comparison reported differences in 14 parameters, mostly in the toe region. Asymmetries were also found in forefoot relative motion.ConclusionGait alterations are reported in AOA. One-third of measured parameters and forefoot relative motion reported marked gait asymmetries. Clarification of the origin of postoperative gait imbalances is likely to help clinicians optimize rehabilitation programs.     

Total ankle replacement in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis: Clinical results and kinetic gait analysis

BackgroundTotal ankle arthroplasty is being used more frequently as an alternative for arthrodesis in final stages of ankle osteoarthritis. However, there are few studies which describe the biomechanics of gait of these patients.MethodsBetween March 2006 and May 2011, 17 patients (n = 18 ankles) suffering end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle who underwent an ankle replacement (HINTEGRA) were evaluated retrospectively. We evaluated clinical, radiological and biomechanical gait parameters using the NedAMH/IBV dynamometric platform.ResultsAt last follow-up (average: 37 months), the AOFAS score improved from 31 to 83 with a high rate of satisfaction (83.3%). Kinetic gait parameters were more similar to a healthy ankle. We detected a radiolucent line in 8 patients (44%) without any subsidence case.ConclusionsOur study showed a high rate of satisfaction and biomechanics of the gait similar to a healthy ankle. The complication rate was analogous to those previously published in the literature.